Forgiven episode 3

“Blue and gold.”

“Are you certain?”

Oyindamola Otaiku nodded her approval while assessing the colour palette her sister displayed before her. “Blue for my husband, rose gold for me.” She wished she could fake her enthusiasm for their coming anniversary but he probably was more excited about it than she was. There was nothing to celebrate after 9 years of a childless marriage. She’d thought getting married early would cure of this ‘sickness’ but it seemed it was her punishment for having everything she could ever want in life. A man who gave her all that she wanted and understood her needs. Not once did she recall him worrying over the situation after the doctors confirmed she could never get pregnant. Her womb was too ‘hostile’ to house any baby.

Her cervical mucus was killing her husband’s sperms rather than guide them along. She remembered the words clearly. She’d thought it was something related to polyscystic ovary syndrome and the likes but it had to be this. Nothing was wrong with her husband as they’d initially thought. It wasn’t a minor problem that could be solved either. The problem was with her.

She was tired of going to bed with this knowledge every single night. She’d taken all the medicines she could take, supplements and herbs. She visited her dietician and followed her diet rules strictly. Exercises were not excluded. Her pastor had given her oils, given her prayers to pray into midnight and yet she felt her resolve weaken. She was beginning to suspect there was probably nothing wrong and they’d just wasted time doing all sorts. Their doctor in Birmingham suggested IVF four years ago at a time it wasn’t common in Nigeria. After much delibration, she’d given in. Just when she thought everything was going to be alright, down came her hopes and expectations in a pool of blood 3 months later.

“How’s Tahir by the way?” Her sister broke into her thoughts as she came back to join her on the couch in the living room upstairs. “If I didn’t know you as my sister, I would have thought you’ve given your husband love potion to drink.”

She rolled her eyes and looked away. The older woman obviously didn’t know what it felt like to live childless. Married to a man from the eastern part of Nigeria and on her second child within 2 and a half years, she wished they could swap wombs right now. Her sister had married late whereas she who married early had nothing to show forth. It almost felt like her sister was having the last laugh and a certain jealousy made her wonder perhaps the old prophet she’d gone to see last week was right.

What if her sister was using her glory?

“You know what I was thinking…pardon my crazy thoughts, but do you remember that part in the bible where Sarah was barren and asked her husband to sleep with the maid so he can have a child…”

“Tahir would never do that to me.”

“Or you would never allow him do that to you.” She threw some peanuts in her mouth and smiled like she knew something she wasn’t planning to reveal.

“You’re just saying that because you’re jealous.” She retorted. Just because she was older didn’t mean she could say nasty things about her husband or suggest thoughts she’d battled with in the past. Tahir had scolded her even when she tried suggesting it at a time. She remembered how he flared up and warned her never to let such thoughts cross her mind. Desperation pushed her to share her thoughts with him, but his response made her realise he loved her much more than she could ever imagine.

“I married you baby. Not because I wanted kids, but because I love you, in the good and bad times. And that love is enough to carry us through. I don’t care if we are old and gray and have no kids to our name. Marrying you was the best decision I ever made and this life of ours is beautiful with or without the kids.”

Her in-laws didn’t share the same views. She was glad her husband ensured they had little access to her. But she was tired of being seen as the witch in the Otaiku household. On the other hand, her sister wouldn’t stop coming up with several reasons why she was barren. Tahir was a noble man who worked for his money. There was no way he’d negotiated wealth for kids.

“Me, jealous…of what?” Yemi scoffed. “Is it money Ifeanyi doesn’t have? Or love he doesn’t know how to show me.”

She rubbed her throbbing temples. The woman was supposed to console her and not add to her worries. Olayemi wasn’t always this way or perhaps she’d never seen her true colours till recent. The rife began after she got married though they were never really close while growing up. It wasn’t her fault that their father had her with another woman or she was the only child of the woman he’d had an affair with outside marriage. The one that died during childbirth. She knew she was only alive because her father kept his watchful eyes on her, and it was a miracle they hadn’t swallowed her alive in the midst of 3 boys and 2 girls he had from his first and legal wife as Yemi didn’t stop reminding her.

Her step-mother would love this. She’d probably sent her daughter to harass and remind her of her status once more, of how she was reaping the fruit of what her mother had sown before she died.

“Then why are you doing this?”

“I’m here to advice you.”

Or you mean torture

“You’re doing a poor job about it sis.” She wanted to say worse but tried to smile amidst it all.

“Because the more he keeps petting you, the more he keeps making you think you don’t need to do anything.”

“And what am I going to do? Push him to go outside? What kind of woman does that even make me?”

“You’re right on time for gist.” Laide teased the moment Erin came in to join them at the back for the worker’s meeting which she almost forgot was happening today. She had to cook for Wura and her father before leaving as she knew she would be getting home by 9p.m. She wasn’t going to oversleep today and she was glad it wasn’t a vigil though they knew better than to organize a vigil during the weekday though there was one this weekend.

“What gist?” She glanced from Adanma to Laide.

Laide, the darker one of the girls looked around before whispering.

“Pastor Ebuka and Hannah were caught in the act. Serious something. I heard they’re going to sanction them. Suspension for weeks or months maybe when they face church panel.”

She raised a hand to her mouth. “Isn’t Pastor Ebuka the fiancé of sister Anita?”

“Na so we see am o.” Adanna cooed, albeit in a whisper.

“Nawa. And Sister Hannah is the one that will cover hair like there’s no tomorrow, no earring, no trouser, no lipstick. Yet she sabi for the thing.” Laide said and the girls laughed between themselves.

Erin shook her head in dismay although she was becoming less surprised by incidents like this. Many of the hypocrites were found in church. She recalled seeing a popular church calendar on Miss Sulola’s table and discarded the thought. The woman was a witch in disguise.

“Like they say. Everybody na thief, na the person them dey catch for the thing.” Adanna said and adjusted when a fellow church member walked past to occupy a seat before them. Adanna and Laide glanced at each other when the girl sat down and Erin surmised there was gist on this one too. She’d probably stepped on some toes. She watched the girl pray and recognized the girl as an old friend she’d parted with years ago when she got closer to Laide and Adanna. The girl had been too ‘Jesusy’ for her liking. Any small thing, Jesus. She always had something to say about everything and it was too much. Even the bible talked about moderation but her spiriroko sister Tamilore was becoming an extremist in the ‘Jesus’ thing. She silently wondered the kind of man that would cope with a girl like that and chose to adjust.

There was no way she wanted to do life alone. She had her picture perfect husband and kids. She had her picture perfect job too. She would work hard, earn lots of money and take care of her sister while getting someone to care for her father as she wouldn’t have the time. Her dreams were huge and she wanted to travel around the world achieving them.

Just like Mr. Otaiku.

Tamie turned to smile at them waving briefly. “Hello Laide…Erin, Adanna.”

“Hi…” They waved and Erin knew they didn’t mean it.

“How was your day? I do hope it went well.” She asked them looking so innocent. Goodness, the girl was so naïve. Couldn’t she see they were not interested in making conversation with her?

Laide shrugged while Adanna pretended to be scrolling through her church notes. “Just there.” Erin turned to her friends. “Guys, did you see that gist on bellanaija wedding section this evening? Oh my gosh, it was just lit!”

“Is it the one where that guy proposed to his girlfriend on a plane and how he kept gushing over the girl even on their wedding day? It was top notch forget.”

“I was just saving all those aso-ebi bella outfits on Facebook. It’s not a joking stulvz.”

“Please be tagging me o. I don’t want to carry last.” Erin giggled and turned to Adanna. “How’s James by the way?”

“He’s doing okay jare. He’s trying to work on his visa application and so the stress is just something else.”

“It will work out fine in Jesus name.” Erin said.

“Amen o.” The girls echoed

“Good evening everyone.” The coordinator finally found his way to the podium drawing their attention away from the ceaseless noise which began to quieten down. “I’m really glad you could make it here today. We will make it simple and brief.”

“Kai, this guy has big ears, like satellite dish.” Laide remarked and the girls chuckled again. Erin had to place a hand on her mouth to prevent her from choking on her laughter. She sighed shaking her head at how her friends made her laugh and forget her worries.

She had the most amazing friends in the world.

Mr Otaiku smiled softly and his eyes settled on her for a brief moment. “She’s not going to give you a query, and please don’t come late next time okay? And please get up from the floor. This isn’t a boarding house where we punish students by kneeling.”

She rose immediately. “Thank you so much sir.” She carelessly wiped her face with her hands and realized her nose was already drooling. She knew she was a sight and a mess with the way Sulola made a face at her and Otaiku went back in. Just as she was about leaving, he returned with a box of Kleenex.

“Here you go.”

She bent again, awed by the man’s kindness. She wanted to pick one but he pushed it into her hands. “Keep it on your desk. I know women love having tissues around them.”

“I’m grateful sir.”

“And I’m sorry about your mum. If you need any help, just let me know okay? I mean what’s life without being there for each other.” He smiled at her again, hands in his nicely tailored pants pocket and turned to his P.A “Please call Abbey to remind him of our meeting by 5 after my board meeting. I should be able to see him then. I don’t want him giving excuses like the last time.”

That was the last thing she heard as she walked back to her seat and settled on the chair still dazed by what had happened there. Her disappointment had suddenly turned to blessing and her day had finally turned out to be a good one.

She wondered if this was another part of her dream which she would soon wake up from. Her Boss was such a kind man and she was certain he was godly too. She couldn’t imagine how Miss Sulola was feeling right now. Her plan had not suceded because God came through for her. The woman was probably one monitoring spirit they sent to monitor her and wish her evil. Maybe those that gave her mother the spiritual disease that turned out to be cancer in the physical.

God was on her side and she was definitely not going to succeed. Mr Otaiku was probably her guardian angel. Sweet, charming and pleasant. Today was the first day she would see him eye to eye and if not for her present predicament, she would have swooned. How could one man be so endowed like that? Fine cheek bones that dipped when he smiled, revealing fine dimples. She saw his hands and his nails too, much better than hers and lean long fingers displaying his wedding ring.

His wife must be so lucky to have someone with dark brown eyes and sensous lips kissing her and speaking beautiful words to her at night unlike her who was unable to sustain a relationship. Her first one had been at the age of 20 and her last one ended last year before her mum died. The guy had been pretty selfish and kept bugging her for sex. Though they’d done a few things close to sex and was trying to abstain because it was the right thing to do, she just couldn’t cope with his demands.

“How far?” Chima broke into her thoughts the moment she sat down at the computer to continue her work for the day. “You look like you were crying? Everything okay?”

“I’m fine Chima, thank you.” She placed the box on the desk they both shared and smiled again.

God give me someone like my Boss. Loving, kind and faithful

holuwanoisy111:
Waiting for more episode pls dont keep me waiting

Hi, please go to the blog and check out the updates. thanks.

Chumzypinky:
Sulola jst dey form oya dab abi? By d way, i luv dat name - Sulola

iiru:
happy to have you here. following ...

Thanks!

holuwanoisy111:
Nyc Story U Gat Here,

Thank you!

Odinz:
Nice story

Thanks!

Chapter 2

Erin stared at the woman unable to comprehend what just happened and what the woman was saying. She didn’t know when the tears pricked. What she’d been running to avoid had come hitting her in the face and right now, she wasn’t aware what was going to happen. All she could ascertain was Miss Sulola disliked every inch of her and was ready to make the number of months she had here miserable.

“When you’re done, bring it into my office. I have many more important things to attend to than an IT student.” The woman turned to leave.

“Women…their own worst enemies.” Chima snorted giving her a sympathetic smile. “She’s probably on her period.”

Erin settled back into the chair and worked on sending the document to the printer. Right now, the thought of receiving a query letter frightened her.

Oh God this is not good at all.

Her mind brainstormed what she could do, anything she could think of. Could she beg her? The thought made her cringe. She loathed the lady but right now, her referral, grades and school report were dependent on this and even if she needed to beg the woman, she would.

She went to retrieve the documents from the printer and found her way to the main office which was adjacent to Mr Otaiku’s office, praying on the way and hoping her begging wouldn’t make things worse. What if she insisted that she had to leave? That would be so embarrassing. She surreptiously scanned the cubicles where people were occupied with several things and inhaled deeply.

I have to do this.

“Oh yea, I have to work tonight. My Boss is a workaholic y’know and I need to keep up with him if I want to keep my job…” She knocked on the sliding door made of glass and pushed gently when she heard “Yea?”

She placed the documents on her table and bent low once again. The lady gestured with her newly manicured nails with her earpiece on while she continued typing into her screen. She stood waiting for her to acknowledge her but she didn’t.

When she finally looked up, she raised an eyebrow as if to ask, “What?”

“I would like to—“

“Sweetheart, can I talk to you later? Yea, take care. Bye.”

“Yea?” Her brows went up again but this time in irritation. “This had better be good young lady.”

“I’m here to apologise to you ma.” She bent again. “Please ma, it won’t repeat itself.”

“Please leave my office.” She snapped rolling her eyes. “What do you want people to think?”

“Ma, please. It wasn’t intentional…” A tear slipped and another. She went on her knees when she saw the woman wasn’t moved. “Please, I ask that you just give me another chance, I have never been late. You can ask Chima. I would never—“

“Sue, do you mind calling…” Mr Otaiku stopped the moment he saw what was going on and pulled the door wider to have a good understanding of things.

“What’s going on here?” He glanced from his P.A to Erin. “Who is this young lady and why is she crying and kneeling in my office?”

“Nothing sir, the young woman was just taking her leave.” She gave her the eye and Erin was torn between begging her main boss and ignoring his P.A

There was really nothing to loose and she risked it.

“I came late. I-it wasn’t intentional sir. My mum passed away a few weeks ago and I’m left to look after my Dad and little sister. I have never been late before. I swear to God…”

“Who is she?” He cut in obviously not interested in her story and her heart raced. Had she gotten herself into more trouble.

“She’s the IT student we took into our organization last month sir.”

“And did you fire her?”

Sulola’s eyes widened. “At all sir. I would never do that. It’s not in my hands to do that. I just said I would give her a query letter and she was here being a drama queen.”

TemmyB18:
I'm so following this till the end.

Thank you Temmy!

Chumzypinky:
Interestin

Thanks!

queenDD:
Yaay! Glowingscenes is back. i'm following till the end.

Don't forget to spread the good news o. Thank you dear. Xx

“I’m afraid I’ll have to give you a query to avoid this lackadaisical attitude of yours repeating itself next time.”

Hello everyone! It's glowingscenes once again and here's a new story of mine. I do hope you enjoy but most importantly, be impacted by the story. Don't forget to spread the word as usual. Much love guys! xo



Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven”-Mathew 18:21-22

June 2010

Erin worked tirelessly at the task at hand, hoping she would be able to finish editing the 50 page file she had been given by her Boss’s P.A even though she was yet to type out the details of the meeting they had attended yesterday with one of the company’s sponsors. Sulola had sent it to her mail just this morning which was later than expected and she couldn’t complain due to her role in the office. It was only a month since she’d been employed as an intern in Otaiku Enterprises and she wasn’t ready to jeopardize the rest of months she had left. The stipend she was to get at the end of each month meant a lot, neither did she want to get a bad recommendation for a future job.

Apart from the fact that it was one of the top companies in Nigeria, it was also a reputable one that would boost her CV and her reputation. Besides, she needed a good report back in school that would boost her grades. Her grades were not something to write home about at the moment and the excuse of her mother passing away last year due to cancer wasn’t going to stand up for her when she was going to graduate next year. It was only by the grace of God she had gotten the job. Her father’s job as a civil worker was modest enough to carry her through her program but he’d taken to drinking of late since their mother’s death and it affected his job. She just hoped they wouldn’t be relieving him from his duties pretty soon.

He was only 55.

“Look who’s here…” Chima, a fellow intern who worked opposite her jerked her back to the present and she refocused on the task at hand as she couldn’t afford to make mistakes.

“Don’t you have work to do than disturb?” She tried to tease him but the strain in her voice hindered her from achieving her aim. Her stomach growled in affirmation of why she was probably tensed and had a nagging headache lingering right in front of her head. It was enough to remind her of how she woke up early each day to take the BRT that was destined for Victoria Island.

“When it comes to goals, Mr Otaiku is one man I doff my hat for anyday anytime.” She looked up to see nothing but admiration in Chima’s eyes.

She turned to take a glance at her colleague’s idol and she had to admit he was right. She’d only seen the man on a few occasions and he obviously didn’t know someone like her existed as he had pretty much going on in his world. He looked so young she wondered when he established a company that had made a name for itself. He had affiliations with the likes of Dangote and Adenuga and she couldn’t help but admire him at that moment. She was sure the ladies had eyes for him too. He reeked of wealth even though he’d worn only a plain white shirt with the Ralph Lauren logo on and a pair of chinos and loafers. There was a tiny part of her heart that wondered what it would be like to be married to a man like that, to have people stare at her like way.

“See how you’ve joined the gang of staring ladies…”

She blinked and turned back to the computer screen embarrassed that she’d been caught but glad that her thoughts were only within the confines of her heart.

“I wasn’t staring…”

“Yes, you were. You know he’s married right?”

Her throat went dry. Had she been lusting after a married man? That had completely skipped her mind as she watched him and admired his physique and features. His nicely cropped hair and matted beard, his smile as Sulola spoke with him as they both headed to the office. All she had seen was male, nothing else.

“I’m only 23…” and not attractive enough to stop a man’s attention. She was a five foot 4 with features that she termed ordinary. Brown eyes, relaxed hair and chipped nail polish that she often forgot to rub off. She battled with acne a few times and they were beginning to show her mercy recently as she wasn’t fortunate to splurge on beauty products. She was also watching her weight though she was currently weighing 65kg and her plump features were not so bad that it deflated her ego. She believed she was doing great and aimed for 60kg. But right now, with her poor diet and the way she rushed out of the house and left the office late each day, she believed she would be spiraling down 60 or less than pretty soon.

“And he’s only 41.” Chima winked mischievously and she rolled her eyes, disgusted at his suggestion.

“Face your work Chima and leave me alone. If you want to marry the man, go ahead.”

Her colleague seemed offended at her statement and took the cue to leave her alone. He should learn to mind his business and keep his tongue in check when he talked to her about things like that. She wasn’t one of those women that went after married men, neither was she ready to get married. She still had a lot to think of, like her younger sister, her father and most importantly herself.

****************

Tahir Otaiku ran a hand on his head a few minutes after he hung up the call. He was happy that some of their investors from South Africa, China and France had confirmed they would be coming over in about four weeks’ time and he had to start making arrangements and hotel bookings. Good luck had been abundant upon his life ever since he began the philanthropy organization and he couldn’t have wished for a better dream. His P.A had kept him up to date with other events that were coming up this week and with MediaConsult who were eager to promote the upcoming brand name. His name was becoming a household name and he couldn’t help but bask in the fame.

His joy was short-lived the moment his eyes settled on the beautiful woman staring back at him in the picture frame on the table. She looked young and happy no doubt, but the happiness on her face was masked by the battle they fought every night he got home and was reminded of the situation that threatened their marriage. He loved her, was crazy about her the way he’d been when he first set his eyes on her 9 years ago. He’d attended an event hosted by her father in celebration of his life at 50 and ever since he was unable to take his eyes off her. A woman of high societal status, her wealth wasn’t the only thing speaking for her. Her brain and curves did and she was just like her name. Oyindamola. Honey mixed with wealth.

He’d never trade anyone for her.

But time seemed to be running out on them both and he was reminded of this by both parents. Their anniversary was in one weeks’ time. He’d always been the romantic one and he had made plans for them both already. He knew she was used to it, but it was one reason why their marriage was still together. He was the spontaneous one and she loved the spontaneity. He just wished things were better and she had what she wanted. He only thought of it because he needed someone to carry his name to the next generation, someone only Oyinda could give. It was the reason why they were not looking into adoption.

Perhaps, God would shine his face on them someday and send them the children they so desired. His wife had visited churches enough and had gone through a lot. He only wished it was easier than it seemed.

A call came through bringing his mind back to the present. There were many things to do rather than sit down and brood about a child. Right now, it was time to rule the world.

www.myglowingscenes.com

olanshile2016:


OK but is there any means of
getting it

I'm afraid I have no plans to publish it as I expressed on the blog, God willing. Thanks.

olanshile2016:


hello sis,happy birthday,ive been trying to read chocolate andsush but dome part have been deleted

Hi, I had to remove them due to personal reasons which I explained on the blog. Thanks for asking.

alosiby92:
Happy Birthday Glowingscenes!!!!

Hope the day is going lovely so far.
God bless

Thanks so much sweetheart. xo!

dupsai:
Happy birthday dear sister, continue to glow in His grace.

Thanks dupsai!! xo!

Tytylorpe:
Hi...., if u want to read more about our dear writer's novels visit www.myglowingscenes.com

She is in episode 31 as at July 18.


Happy birthday to You Dear ITUNU.LLNP

Wow, just seeing this. Thanks so much dear. xo!

MzDarocha:
[quote author=glowingscenes post=45783731

“what's the link to ur website

I've written it in my general response but here it is again. Myglowingscenes.com

opalk:
Abeg continue... this story is just too good to be dropped

Believe me I have tried but the story keeps getting wiped off. Hopefully something is done about it. Thanks.

Hello guys,
I don't know if the moderator is aware of this. I keep posting but it keeps getting wiped off hence my discouragement to continue. I would love to continue the story here and believe me I've tried several times to post the continuation.
If the moderator can fix this, I would be grateful. I actually assumed maybe they were preventing me from posting or something like that.
The blog name is myglowingscenes.com
Thanks.

pricelesslove:
ma please how do I read this your story? I try reading it in your blog but I can't get episode 2. please direct me. thank you.

Hello love, which of my stories? If you're talking about Chocolates and Sushi, I already explained why I pulled them down from the blog. You can read the updates here:

http://myglowingscenes.com/important-blog-announcement-9-things/

Thanks.

haryormeedeh:


pls what's the link to your blog. I've missed your stories badly

Myglowingscenes.com

beesan:
@ Glowingscenes just started reading ur stories and believe it's juts the best. Though I wanted to read ur oda stories but can't get dem, don't know I u help pleeeease

Hello beesan, thanks for the compliments and thank God. Which of my stories do you want to read? The ones I currently have going on are beautiful wings and dear diary which I'm planning to edit and turn into a book since some episodes are missing at the moment. I hope that's okay?
Regards,
Itunu

k

kizzykeziah:
It's great to have you back, glow. I remember chocolates and sushi was the first story I ever read on NL. You were great then and still are, (cross my heart).

I love the way you write about the Christian faith, the doubts that still trail our hearts as believers and the hope that dwells, pushing us up to stand down and fast.

You're still a romantic, and still describe the whole romance sense like.....
I've been getting e-mail updates from your blog for a while and those reviews and writings you put up come in nick of time.

Again....



You're remain one of the greatest writers I've met on nairaland. You're on point so shoot on......

Thank you kizzykeziah. It's all God and I'm honored to be a vessel of His. I'm glad the story resonates with you. God bless